Glen Elmy, a father from the West Midlands, appeared to have hit the jackpot when he won a spectacular £3 million property through Omaze, a luxury coastal home known as Stealth House in Devon. The sleek, Bond-inspired house, complete with an infinity pool and panoramic ocean views, seemed like a dream come true. In October 2021, Glen, a foundry worker from Walsall, was overjoyed, describing the home as something straight out of a Bond film.
Speaking at the time, Glen said, “I’m totally gobsmacked. The only thing we’ve ever won before was three pounds at a Bingo night on holiday. We absolutely love the house—if I could have designed one from scratch, it would look just like this. It’s life-changing for all of us.” Glen and his family planned to enjoy their first holiday in two years within the home’s stunning walls.
However, the fairy-tale win soon took a turn. Glen reportedly stayed in the house for just three days before concerns about cliff erosion forced him to reconsider. Sources revealed that the house is perilously close to the edge of a crumbling cliff—about two metres away—with ongoing coastal erosion threatening its stability. Local reports claim the property may be difficult to insure or mortgage due to its risky location, with warnings about falling rocks scattered around the nearby beach.
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Following these worries, Glen allegedly returned the keys to Omaze, requesting the cash equivalent of the house’s worth instead. Since then, he has not returned to Stealth House. Locals note that the property was on the market for £2.5 million five years ago but remained unsold, and excitement around the win died down quickly after Glen’s short stay.
Omaze has strongly denied any claims that the property is unsafe or structurally unsound. Their spokesperson confirmed that extensive professional surveys and inspections were conducted before purchase and that the house is fully insurable, refuting rumors that it is “tumbling into the sea.”
Glen’s experience is not isolated. Other Omaze winners have encountered difficulties after their initial celebrations. For instance, a couple from Leicestershire who won a £3 million Cornish home reportedly had to leave just eight weeks later, although Omaze disputes that claim. Similarly, June Smith, who won a six-bedroom house in Cornwall, sold the property shortly after viewing it once due to concerns raised locally.
Despite occasional challenges, some winners like Lauren Keene have enjoyed their dream homes without issue. Lauren, who became Omaze’s youngest winner, praised her five-bedroom property on the Wirral, likening it to a Hollywood Hills mansion and looking forward to hosting big celebrations there.